Photomicrography..my sapphire pics!

[Missrocks]

So I got a couple requests to start of thread on photomicrography, after some inquiries asking about my new avatar. Basically photomicrography is as it sounds- magnified (10x to 40x) photos of gemstone inclusions, taken through the lens of a microscope. I recently starting practicing and I am learning it is much harder than it looks! I really have to give credit to all of those who have mastered the art- I have seen some amazing photos taken by another PS member, Vincent Pardieu, in some of recent articles and studies he has written.

I had always had some interest in the subject, but got really hooked after I started studying the inclusions in my sapphire. My cert. never stated an origin and I really was curious. So after much comparing to some of the GRS photo atlas's, I believe it to be of Sri Lanken origin. Just an educated guess...

And while I'm on the subject of my sapphire, I wanted to share some of its "internal characteristics".


While I did not take the photos of my sapphire I am about to post, I will also include a photo I did take of another loose gemstone. Since I am just beginning, I found it much easier to photograph loose gemstones, rather than mounted.
Enjoy!




These are all photos of my sapphire

*Giving credit, where credit is due- All photos of my sapphire taken by Erik Carlson.

"Crown for My Princess"

 

[Missrocks]

"Blue Rain"

 

[Missrocks]

"Earth From Space"

 

[Missrocks]

"The Skull I"

 

[Missrocks]

"The Skull II"

 

[Missrocks]

Now these are some of the photos I have taken- not of the sapphire in my ring, but of a loose sapphire. I am still practicing...

"Mothball Inclusion I"

 

[Missrocks]

Another of mine..


"Mothball and Irridescence"

 

[strmrdr]

kicken pics you rock!

 

[Missrocks]

"Mothball and Irridescence II"

 

[Missrocks]

Those three were my best so far... More to come in the future, I am finding it to be a very fun hobby- And who knows, maybe one day I will "master" the art.

 

[Selkie]

Cool photos, Girlrocks. What kind of scope and camera set up are you using?

 

[Missrocks]

Date: 4/3/2008 12:00:09 AM
Author: strmrdr
kicken pics you rock!

Thanks Strm!

 

[Missrocks]

Date: 4/3/2008 12:10:32 AM
Author: Selkie
Cool photos, Girlrocks. What kind of scope and camera set up are you using?

Thanks- using a Gemlight Mark5 microscope, and Nikon Coolpix digital camera.


...for some reason your tagline made me really want cake right now..yum..LOL.

 

[coatimundi_org]

So cool! They''re fantastic and otherworldly. I''m actually getting a microscope for my birthday, and I can''t wait to try this.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Missrocks]

Date: 4/3/2008 1:05:14 AM
Author: coatimundi
So cool! They''re fantastic and otherworldly. I''m actually getting a microscope for my birthday, and I can''t wait to try this.
Thanks for sharing!

Oh cool! You may need to get a special lens attachment that fits into the occular- helps to steady the camera. Good luck and you are welcome!

 

[kroshka]

Awesome photos - and what fun it must be to play around with the microscope and camera equipment.

Seeing your pics reminds me of Gubelin's book "Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones".

kroshka

 

[chrono]

Very cool pics!

 

[CaptAubrey]

MissRocks, have you seen this article?

http://www.gia.edu/pdfs/koivula_sp03.pdf

Photomicrography is part art and part science, but you''ve got to master the science before you can progress very far with the art.

Does your microscope have a fiber-optic attachment? If it does, try playing around with it. If not, get one. You''ll soon find it indispensible.

 

[Missrocks]

Date: 4/3/2008 12:31:06 PM
Author: CaptAubrey
MissRocks, have you seen this article?

http://www.gia.edu/pdfs/koivula_sp03.pdf

Photomicrography is part art and part science, but you've got to master the science before you can progress very far with the art.

Does your microscope have a fiber-optic attachment? If it does, try playing around with it. If not, get one. You'll soon find it indispensible.

And how could I forget to mention Kuivula? If only I had the money to get the setup he has....


I have a fiber-optic light attachment and it worked quite well in creating the irridescent shots.
Yes its, definietly part science, and I have a lot to learn.

 

[Missrocks]

Thanks Kroska and Chrono

Yes, Gubelin''s photoatlas is an amazing book. My photos must look like a third graders drawing compared to Kuivula''s works of art LOL

Playing around with gemstones and cameras is fun..although I must say, it took me several hours just to get these "beginner" shots. I''m not sure what I spent more time on- adjusting the stone and lighting conditions- or playing around with the camera settings and focus.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

cool photos!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Awesome! I''d love to see any and all pictures you have... this just proves the beauty of gemstones is never-ending.

DD

 

[Missrocks]

Thanks everyone for looking!

I hope to have more pics and better one's too!

And thanks Capt Aubrey for bringing that article to my attention again and posting it for anyone else interested. Admitedly, I am one of those who tends to dive hands-on into projects. Good point being said, the science needs to be mastered first.

 

[poshpepper]

So cool! These pictures are fantastic!!!! Thanks for sharing